DISCIPLES OF JESUS

by Bryan Gibson

 

In His teaching, Jesus made it very clear what He expected from His disciples. Let’s look at a few of the characteristics He wanted His disciples to possess.

 

1.         Disciples of Jesus must be humble.

a.         “Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4).

b.         “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3).

c.         Jesus can mold an humble person into His image; a proud person thinks He’s already what he needs to be.

 

2.         Disciples of Jesus will listen to Him and do exactly what He says.

a.         “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31).

b.         “My sheep hear My voice…and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

c.         “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23).

 

3.         Disciples of Jesus will not listen to anyone other than Jesus.

a.         “And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:4-5).

b.         Jesus is our Shepherd, and so we should listen to His voice and His alone. If we hear anything that contradicts what He says, we must “flee” that teaching.

 

4.         Disciples of Jesus must become like their Teacher—Jesus Himself.

a.         "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).

b.         One way in which we should be like Jesus is to love as He loved (John 13:34-35).

c.         And if we loved as He loved, we will bear much fruit, just as He bore much fruit (John 15:1-8).

 

5.         Disciples of Jesus must follow Jesus, no matter what the cost may be. We know it will cost some money and time, but it may cost us our families, and even our own lives. But no matter what the price may be, we must be willing to pay it.

a.         Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24).

b.         "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:34-38).

c.         See also Luke 14:25-33.